Pumping Cassette

ABSTRACT

A pumping cassette, the cassette includes a housing. The housing includes at least one fluid port and at least one air vent port. The air vent port vents a fluid source outside the housing. The pumping cassette also includes at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within the housing. The pump pumps fluid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/904,024 entitled Hemodialysis System and Methods filed on Feb. 27, 2007; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/921,314 entitled Sensor Apparatus filed on Apr. 2, 2007 both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pumping cassette for pumping fluids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the pumping cassette, the cassette includes a housing. The housing includes at least one fluid port and at least one air vent port. The air vent port vents a fluid source outside the housing. The pumping cassette also includes at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within the housing. The pump pumps fluid.

Various embodiments of this aspect of the pumping cassette include one or more of the following. Where the reciprocating pressure displacement pump includes a curved rigid chamber wall and a flexible membrane attached to the rigid chamber wall. The flexible membrane and the rigid chamber wall define a pumping chamber. Where the pumping cassette housing includes a top plate, a midplate and a bottom plate. Where the pumping cassette further includes at least one valve. And, in some embodiments, the valves is a membrane valve. Also, where the pumping cassette includes at least one valve including a valve housing having a membrane, where the membrane divides the valve housing into two chambers. Where the two chambers are an actuation chamber and a fluid pumping chamber. Where the actuation chamber has at least one aperture and said fluid pumping chamber having at least one aperture. Where the actuation chamber includes two apertures. Also, in some embodiments, where the valve is a volcano valve. In some embodiments of the valve, the fluid pumping chamber includes a substantially smooth surface. In some embodiments of the valve, the valve is a check valve.

In accordance with another aspect of the pumping cassette, the pumping cassette includes a housing having at least one source fluid inlet fluid path, at least one source reservoir vent fluid path and at least one source fluid outlet path. The pumping cassette also includes at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within the housing. The pump pumps source fluid from a source tank outside the housing and through said source fluid inlet fluid path. Also, the pumping cassette includes at least one valve. The valve includes a valve housing having a membrane dividing the valve housing into two chambers, a fluid chamber and an actuation chamber.

Various embodiments of this aspect of the pumping cassette include one or more of the following. Where the reciprocating pressure displacement pump includes a curved rigid chamber wall and a flexible membrane attached to the rigid chamber wall. The flexible membrane and the rigid chamber wall define a pumping chamber. Where the pumping cassette housing includes a top plate, a midplate and a bottom plate. Where the pumping cassette includes a valve controlling a measurement system fluidly connected to the source tank vent fluid path. In some embodiments, this measurement system measures the volume of a source tank. Some embodiments includes where the at least one source reservoir vent fluid path fluidly connects to a vent. The vent maintains the source tank at atmospheric pressure. Also, some embodiments of the pumping cassette include where the at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump pumps fluid from the source tank through the housing and through a filter outside the housing.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a sectional view of one embodiment of a pod-pump that is incorporated into embodiments of the cassette;

FIG. 1B is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a pod pump that is incorporated into embodiments of the cassette;

FIG. 2A is an illustrative sectional view of one embodiment of one type of pneumatically controlled valve that is incorporated into some embodiments of the cassette;

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of another embodiment of one type of pneumatically controlled valve that is incorporated into some embodiments of the cassette;

FIG. 2C is a sectional view of another embodiment of one type of pneumatically controlled valve that is incorporated into some embodiments of the cassette;

FIG. 2D is a sectional view of another embodiment of one type of pneumatically controlled valve that is incorporated into some embodiments of the cassette;

FIGS. 2E-2F are top and bottom views of embodiments of the valving membrane;

FIG. 2G shows pictorial, top and cross sectional views of one embodiment of the valving membrane;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a pod pump within a cassette;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a pod pump within a cassette having a variable membrane;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and section views respectively of a dimpled/variable membrane;

FIGS. 4C and 4D are pictorial views of a single ring membrane with a variable surface;

FIGS. 5A-5D are pictorial views of various embodiments of variable membranes;

FIGS. 5E-5H are pictorial views of various embodiments of the metering pump membrane;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are pictorial views of a double ring membrane with a smooth surface;

FIGS. 6C and 6D are pictorial views of a double ring membrane with a dimple surface;

FIGS. 6E and 6F are pictorial views of double ring membranes with variable surfaces;

FIG. 6G is a cross sectional view of a double ring membrane with a variable surface;

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing a pressure actuation system that may be used to actuate a pod pump;

FIG. 8A is one embodiment of the fluid flow-path schematic of the cassette;

FIG. 8B is an alternate embodiment the fluid flow-path schematic of the cassette;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are isometric and front views of the exemplary embodiment of the outer top plate of the exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIGS. 9C and 9D are isometric and front views of the exemplary embodiment of the inner top plate of the cassette;

FIG. 9E is a side view of the top plate of the exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are isometric and front views of the exemplary embodiment of the liquid side of the mi dpi ate of the cassette;

FIGS. 10C and 10D are isometric and front views of the exemplary embodiment of the air side of the midplate of the cassette;

FIG. 10E is a side view of the midplate according to the exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are isometric and front views of the inner side of the bottom plate according to the exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIGS. 11C and 11D are isometric and front views of the exemplary embodiment of the outer side of the bottom plate of the cassette;

FIG. 11E is a side view of the bottom plate according to the exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 12A is a top view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 12C is an exploded view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 12D is an exploded view of the assembled exemplary embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the assembled cassette;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are isometric and front views of an alternate embodiment of the outer top plate of the cassette;

FIGS. 14C and 14D are isometric and front views of an alternate embodiment of the inner top plate of the cassette;

FIG. 14E is a side view of the top plate of an alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the top plate gasket according to an alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are isometric and front views of an alternate embodiment of the liquid side of the midplate of the cassette;

FIGS. 16C and 16D are isometric and front views of an alternate embodiment of the air side of the midplate of the cassette;

FIG. 16E is a side view of the midplate according of an alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the bottom plate gasket according to an alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are isometric and front views of an alternate embodiment of the inner side of the bottom plate of the cassette;

FIGS. 18C and 18D are isometric and front views of an alternate embodiment, of the outer side of the bottom plate of the cassette;

FIG. 18E is a side view of the bottom plate according to an alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 19A is a top view of the assembled alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 19B is a bottom view of the assembled alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 19C is an exploded view of the assembled alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIG. 19D is an exploded view of the assembled alternate embodiment of the cassette;

FIGS. 20A-20B show cross sectional views of the assembled alternate embodiment of the cassette; and

FIGS. 21A-21B show cross sectional views of one embodiment of the check valve; and

FIGS. 21C-21D show pictorial views of one embodiment of the check valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

-   1. Pumping Cassette

1.1 Cassette

The pumping cassette include various features, namely, pod pumps, fluid lines and in some embodiments, valves. The cassette embodiments shown and described in this description include exemplary and some alternate embodiments. However, any variety of cassettes is contemplated that include a similar functionality. As well, although the cassette embodiments described herein are implementations of the fluid schematics as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in other embodiments, the cassette may have varying fluid paths and/or valve placement and/or pod pump placements and numbers and thus, is still within the scope of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cassette includes a top plate, a midplate and a bottom plate. There are a variety of embodiments for each plate. In general, the top plate includes pump chambers and fluid lines, the midplate includes complementary fluid lines, metering pumps and valves and the bottom plate includes actuation chambers (and in some embodiments, the top plate and the bottom plate include complementary portions of a balancing chamber).

In general, the membranes are located between the midplate and the bottom plate; however, with respect to balancing chambers, a portion of a membrane is located between the midplate arid the top plate. Some embodiments include where the membrane is attached to the cassette, either overmolded, captured, bonded, press fit welded in, or any other process or method for attachment. However, in the exemplary embodiments, the membranes are separate from the top plate, midplate and bottom plate until the plates are assembled.

The cassettes may be constructed of a variety of materials. Generally, in the various embodiments, the materials used are solid and non flexible. In the preferred embodiment, the plates are constructed of polysulfone, but in other embodiments, the cassettes are constructed of any other solid material and in exemplary embodiments, of any thermoplastic or thermoset.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cassettes are formed by placing the membranes in their correct locations, assembling the plates in order, and connecting the plates. In one embodiment, tire plates are connected using a laser welding technique. However, in other embodiments, the plates may be glued, mechanically fastened, strapped together, ultrasonically welded, or any other mode of attaching the plates together.

In practice, the cassette may be used to pump any type of fluid from any source to any location. The types of fluid include nutritive, nonnutritive, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, bodily fluids, or any other type of fluid. Additionally, fluid in some embodiments include a gas, thus, in some embodiments, the cassette is used to pump a gas.

The cassette serves to pump and direct the fluid from and to the desired locations. In some embodiments, outside pumps pump the fluid into the cassette and the cassette pumps the fluid out. However, in some embodiments, the pod pumps serve to pull the fluid into the cassette and pump the fluid out of the cassette.

As discussed above, depending on the valve locations, control of the fluid paths is imparted. Thus, the valves being in different locations, or additional valves, are alternate embodiments of this cassette. Additionally, the fluid lines and paths shown in the figures described above are mere examples of fluid lines and paths. Other embodiments may have more, less and/or different fluid paths. In still other embodiments, valves are not present in the cassette.

The number of pod pumps described above may also vary depending on the embodiment. For example, although the exemplary and alternate embodiments shown and described above include two pod pumps. In other embodiments, the cassette includes one. In still other embodiments, the cassette includes more than two pod pumps. The pod pumps can be single pumps or work in tandem to provide a more continuous flow. Either or both may be used in various embodiments of the cassette.

The various fluid inlets and fluid outlets are fluid ports. In practice, depending on the valve arrangement and control, a fluid inlet can be a fluid outlet. Thus, the designation of the fluid port as a fluid inlet or a fluid outlet is only for description purposes. The various embodiments have interchangeable fluid ports. The fluid ports are provided to impart particular fluid paths onto the cassette. These fluid ports are not necessarily all used all of the time; instead, the variety of fluid ports provides flexibility of use of the cassette in practice.

1.2 Exemplary Pressure Pod Pump Embodiments

FIG. 1A is a sectional view of an exemplary pod pump 100 that is incorporated into a fluid control or pump cassette (see also FIGS. 3 and 4), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the cassette. In this embodiment, the pod pump is formed from three rigid pieces, namely a “top” plate 106, a midplate 108, and a “bottom” plate 110 (it should be noted that the terms “top” and “bottom” are relative and are used here for convenience with reference to the orientation shown in FIG. 1A). The top and bottom plates 106 and 110 include generally hemispheroid portions that when assembled together define a hemispheroid chamber, which is a pod pump 100.

A membrane 112 separates the central cavity of the pod pump into two chambers. In one embodiment these chambers are: the pumping chamber that receives the fluid to be pumped and an actuation chamber for receiving the control gas that pneumatically actuates the pump. An inlet 102 allows fluid to enter the pumping chamber, and an outlet 104 allows fluid to exit the pumping chamber. The inlet 102 and the outlet 104 may be formed between midplate 108 and the top plate 106. Pneumatic pressure is provided through a pneumatic port 114 to either force, with positive gas pressure, the membrane 112 against one wail of pod pump cavity to minimize the pumping chamber's volume, or to draw, with negative gas pressure, the membrane 112 towards the other wall of the pod pump 100 cavity to maximize the pumping chamber's volume.

The membrane 112 is provided with a thickened rim 116, which is held tightly by a protrusion 118 in the midplate 108. Thus, in manufacture, the membrane 112 can be placed in and held by the groove 108 before the bottom plate 110 is connected (in the exemplary embodiment) to the midplate 108.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments of the pod pump, on the fluid side, a groove is present on the chamber wall. The groove acts to prevent folds in the membrane from trapping fluid in the chamber when emptying.

Referring first to FIG. 1A, a cross sectional view of a reciprocating positive-displacement pump 100 in a cassette is shown. The pod pump 100 includes a flexible membrane 112 (also referred to as the “pump diaphragm” or “membrane”) mounted where the pumping chamber (also referred to as a “liquid chamber” or “liquid pumping chamber”) wall 122 and the actuation chamber (also referred to as the “pneumatic chamber”) wall 120 meet. The membrane 112 effectively divides that interior cavity into a variable-volume pumping chamber (defined by the rigid interior surface of the pumping chamber wail 122 and a surface of the membrane 112) and a complementary variable-volume actuation chamber (defined by the rigid interior surface of the actuation chamber wall 120 and a surface of the membrane 112). The top portion 106 includes a fluid inlet 102 and a fluid outlet 104, both of which are in fluid communication with the pumping/liquid chamber. The bottom portion 110 includes an actuation or pneumatic interface 114 in fluid communication with the actuation chamber. As discussed in greater detail below, the membrane 112 can be urged to move back and forth within the cavity by alternately applying negative or vent to atmosphere and positive pneumatic pressure at the pneumatic interface 114. As the membrane 112 reciprocates back and forth, the sum of the volumes of the pumping and actuation chambers remains constant.

During typical fluid pumping operations, the application of negative or vent to atmosphere pneumatic pressure to the actuation or pneumatic interface 114 tends to withdraw the membrane 112 toward the actuation chamber wall 120 so as to expand the pumping/liquid chamber and draw fluid into the pumping chamber through the inlet 102, while the application of positive pneumatic pressure tends to push the membrane 112 toward the pumping chamber wall 122 so as to collapse the pumping chamber and expel fluid in the pumping chamber through the outlet 104. During such pumping operations, the interior surfaces of the pumping chamber wall 122 and the actuation chamber wall 120 limit movement of the membrane 112 as it reciprocates back and forth. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the interior surfaces of the pumping chamber wall 122 and the actuation chamber wall 120 are rigid, smooth, and hemispherical. In lieu of a rigid actuation chamber wall 120, an alternative rigid limit structure—for example, a portion of a bezel used for providing pneumatic pressure and/or a set of ribs—may be used to limit the movement of the membrane as the pumping chamber approaches maximum value. Bezels and rib structures are described generally in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/697,450 entitled BEZEL ASSEMBLY FOR PNEUMATIC CONTROL filed on Oct. 30, 2003 and published as Publication No. U.S. 2005/0095154 (Attorney Docket No. 1062/D75) and related PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/035952 entitled BEZEL ASSEMBLY FOR PNEUMATIC CONTROL filed on Oct. 29, 2004 and published as Publication No. WO 2005/044435 (Attorney Docket No. 1062/D71WO), both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Thus, the rigid limit structure—such as the rigid actuation chamber wall 120, a bezel, or a set of ribs—defines the shape of the membrane 112 when the pumping chamber is at its maximum value. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane 112 (when urged against the rigid limit structure) and the rigid interior surface of the pumping chamber wall 122 define a spherical pumping chamber volume when the pumping chamber volume is at a minimum.

Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, movement of the membrane 112 is limited by the pumping chamber wall 122 and the actuation chamber wall 120. As long as the positive and vent to atmosphere or negative pressurizations provided through the pneumatic port 114 are strong enough, the membrane 112 will move from a position limited by the actuation chamber wall 120 to a position limited by the pumping chamber wall 122. When the membrane 112 is forced against the actuation chamber wall 120, the membrane and the pumping chamber wall 122 define the maximum volume of the pumping chamber. When the membrane is forced against the pumping chamber wall 122, the pumping chamber is at its minimum volume.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pumping chamber wall 122 and the actuation chamber wall 120 both have a hemispheroid shape so that the pumping chamber will have a spheroid shape when it is at its maximum volume. By using a pumping chamber that attains a spheroid shape—and particularly a spherical shape—at maximum volume, circulating flow may be attained throughout the pumping chamber. Such shapes accordingly tend to avoid stagnant pockets of fluid in the pumping chamber. As discussed further below, the orientations of the inlet 102 and outlet 104 also tend to have an impact on the flow of fluid through the pumping chamber and, in some embodiments, reduce the likelihood of stagnant, pockets of fluid forming. Additionally, compared to other volumetric shapes, the spherical shape (and spheroid shapes in general) tends to create less shear and turbulence as the fluid circulates into, through, and out of the pumping chamber.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, a raised flow path 30 is shown in the pumping chamber. This raised flow path 30 allows for the fluid to continue flowing through the pod pumps after the membrane reaches the end of stroke. Thus, the raised flow path 30 minimizes the chances of the membrane causing air or fluid to be trapped in the pod pump or the membrane blocking the inlet or outlet of the pod pump which would inhibit continuous flow. The raised flow path 30 is shown in the exemplary embodiment having particular dimensions, however, in alternate embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 18A-18E, the raised flow path 30 is narrower, or in still other embodiments, the raised flow path 30 can be any dimensions as the purpose is to control fluid flow so as to achieve a desired flow rate or behavior of the fluid. Thus, the dimensions shown and described here with respect to the raised flow path, the pod pumps, the valves, or any other aspect are mere exemplary and alternate embodiments. Other embodiments are readily apparent.

1.3 Exemplary Balancing Pods Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 1B, an exemplary embodiment of a balancing pod is shown. The balancing pod is constructed similar to the pod pump described above with respect to FIG. 1A. However, a balancing pod includes two fluid balancing chambers, rather than an actuation chamber and a pumping chamber, and does not include an actuation port. Additionally, each balancing chamber includes an inlet 102 and an outlet 104. In the exemplary embodiment, a groove 126 is included on each of the balancing chamber walls 120, 122. The groove 126 is described in further detail below.

The membrane 112 provides a seal between the two chambers. The balancing chambers work to balance the flow of fluid into and out of the chambers such that both chambers maintain an equal volume rate flow. Although the inlets 102 and outlets 104 for each chamber are shown to be on the same side, in other embodiments, the inlets 102 and outlets 104 for each chamber are on different sides. Also, the inlets 102 and outlets 104 can be on either side, depending on the flow path in which the balancing chamber is integrated.

In one embodiment of the balancing chambers, the membrane 112 includes an embodiment similar to the one described below with respect to FIG. 6A-6G. However, in alternate embodiments, the membrane 112 can be overmolded or otherwise constructed such that a double-ring seal is not applicable.

1.4 Metering Pumps and Fluid Management System

The metering pump can be any pump that is capable of adding any fluid or removing any fluid. The fluids include but are not limited to pharmaceuticals, inorganic compounds or elements, organic compounds or elements, nutraceuticals, nutritional elements or compounds or solutions, or any other fluid capable of being pumped. In one embodiment, the metering pump is a membrane pump. In the exemplary embodiment, the metering pump is a smaller volume pod pump. In the exemplary embodiment, the metering pump includes an inlet and an outlet, similar to a larger pod pump (as shown in FIG. 1A for example). However, the inlet and outlet are generally much smaller than a pod pump and, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a volcano valve-like raised ring around either the inlet or outlet. Metering pumps include a membrane, and various embodiments of a metering pump membrane are shown in FIGS. 5E-5H. The metering pump, in some embodiments, pumps a volume of fluid out of the fluid line. Once the fluid is in the pod pump, a reference chamber, located outside the cassette, using the FMS, determines the volume that has been removed.

Thus, depending on the embodiment, this volume of fluid that has been removed will not then flow to the fluid outlet, the balance chambers or to a pod pump. Thus, in some embodiments, the metering pump is used to remove a volume of fluid from a fluid line. In other embodiments, the metering pump is used to remove a volume of fluid to produce other results.

FMS may be used to perform certain fluid management system measurements, such as, for example, measuring the volume of subject fluid pumped through the pump chamber during a stroke of the membrane or detecting air in the pumping chamber, e.g., using techniques described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,161; 4,826,482; 4,976,162; 5,088,515; and 5,350,357, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Metering pumps are also used in various embodiments to pump a second fluid into the fluid line. In some embodiments, the metering pump is used to pump a therapeutic or a compound into a fluid line. One embodiment uses the metering pump to pump a volume of compound into a mixing chamber in order to constitute a solution. In some of these embodiments, the metering pumps are configured for FMS volume measurement. In other embodiments, the metering pumps are not.

For FMS measurement, a small fixed reference air chamber is located outside of the cassette, for example, in the pneumatic manifold (not shown). A valve isolates the reference chamber and a second pressure sensor. The stroke volume of the metering pump may be precisely computed by charging the reference chamber with air, measuring the pressure, and then opening the valve to the pumping chamber. The volume of air on the chamber side may be computed based on the fixed volume of the reference chamber and the change in pressure when the reference chamber was connected to the pump chamber.

1.5 Valves

The exemplary embodiment of the cassette includes one or more valves. Valves are used to regulate flow by opening and closing fluid lines. The valves included in the various embodiments of the cassette include one or more of the following: volcano valves or smooth valves. In some embodiments of the cassette, check valves may be included. Embodiments of the volcano valve are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, while an embodiment of the smooth valve is shown in FIG. 2C. Additionally, FIGS. 3 and 4 show cross sections of one embodiment of a pod pump in a cassette with an inlet and an outlet valve.

Generally speaking, reciprocating positive-displacement pumps of the types just described may include, or may be used in conjunction with, various valves to control fluid flow through the pump. Thus, for example, the reciprocating positive-displacement pump or the balancing pods may include, or be used in conjunction with, an inlet valve and/or an outlet valve. The valves may be passive or active. In the exemplary embodiment of the reciprocating positive-displacement pump the membrane is urged back and forth by positive and negative pressurizations, or by positive and vent to atmosphere pressurizations, of a gas provided through the pneumatic port, which connects the actuation chamber to a pressure actuation system. The resulting reciprocating action of the membrane pulls fluid into the pumping chamber from the inlet (the outlet valve prevents liquid from being sucked back into the pumping chamber from the outlet) and then pushes the fluid out of the pumping chamber through the outlet (the inlet valve prevents fluid from being forced back from the inlet).

In the exemplary embodiments, active valves control the fluid flow through the pump(s) and the cassette. The active valves may be actuated by a controller in such a manner as to direct flow in a desired direction. Such an arrangement would generally permit the controller to cause flow in either direction through the pod pump. In a typical system, the flow would normally be in a first direction, e.g., from the inlet to the outlet. At certain other times, the flow may be directed in the opposite direction, e.g., from the outlet to the inlet. Such reversal of flow may be employed, for example, during priming of the pump, to check for an aberrant line condition (e.g., a line occlusion, blockage, disconnect, or leak), or to clear an aberrant line condition (e.g., to try to dislodge a blockage).

Pneumatic actuation of valves provides pressure control and a natural limit to the maximum pressure that may be developed in a system. In the context of a system, pneumatic actuation has the added benefit of providing the opportunity to locate all the solenoid control valves on one side of the system away from the fluid paths.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, sectional views of two embodiments of a volcano valve are shown. The volcano valves are pneumatically controlled valves that may be used in embodiments of the cassette. A membrane 202, along with the midplate 204, defines a valving chamber 206. Pneumatic pressure is provided through a pneumatic port 208 to either force, with positive gas pressure, the membrane 202 against a valve seat 210 to close the valve, or to draw, with negative gas pressure, or in some embodiments, with vent to atmospheric pressure, the membrane away from the valve seat 210 to open the valve. A control gas chamber 212 is defined by the membrane 202, the top plate 214, and the midplate 204. The midplate 204 has an indentation formed on it, into which the membrane 202 is placed so as to form the control gas chamber 212 on one side of the membrane 202 and the valving chamber 206 on the other side.

The pneumatic port 208 is defined by a channel formed in tire top plate 214. By providing pneumatic control of several valves in a cassette, valves can be ganged together so that all the valves ganged together can be opened or closed at the same time by a single source of pneumatic pressure. Channels formed on the midplate 204, corresponding with fluid paths along with the bottom plate 216, define the valve inlet 218 and the valve outlet 220. Holes formed through the midplate 204 provide communication between the inlet 218 and the valving chamber 206 and between the valving chamber 206 and the outlet 220.

The membrane 202 is provided with a thickened rim 222, which fits tightly in a groove 224 in the midplate 204. Thus, the membrane 202 can be placed in and held by the groove 224 before the top plate 214 is connected to the midplate 204. Thus, this valve design may impart benefits in manufacturing. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the top plate 214 may include additional material extending into control gas chamber 212 so as to prevent the membrane 202 from being urged too much in a direction away from the groove 224, so as to prevent the membrane's thickened rim 222 from popping out of the groove 224. The location of the pneumatic port 208 with respect to the control gas chamber 212 varies in the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 2C shows an embodiment in which the valving chamber lacks a valve seat feature. Rather, in FIG. 2C, the valve in this embodiment does not include any volcano features and thus, the valving chamber 206, i.e., the fluid side, does not include any raised features and thus is smooth. This embodiment is used in cassettes used to pump fluid sensitive to shearing. FIG. 2D shows an embodiment in which the valving chamber has a raised area to aid in the sealing of the valving membrane. Referring now to FIGS. 2E-2G, various embodiments of the valve membrane are shown. Although some exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, in other embodiments, variations of the valve and valving membrane may be used.

1.6 Exemplary Embodiments of the Pod Membrane

In some embodiments, the membrane has a variable cross-sectional thickness, as shown in FIG. 4. Thinner, thicker or variable thickness membranes may be used to accommodate the strength, flexural and other properties of the chosen membranes materials. Thinner, thicker or variable membrane wall thickness may also be used to manage the membrane thereby encouraging it to flex more easily in some areas than in other areas, thereby aiding in the management of pumping action and flow of subject fluid in the pump chamber. In this embodiment, the membrane is shown having its thickest cross-sectional area closest to its center. However in other embodiments having a membrane with a varying cross-section, the thickest and thinnest areas may be in any location on the membrane. Thus, for example, the thinner cross-section may be located near the center and the thicker cross-sections located closer to the perimeter of the membrane. Still other configurations are possible. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, one embodiment of a membrane is shown having various surface embodiments, these include smooth (FIG. 5A), rings (FIG. 5D), ribs (FIG. 5C), dimples, or dots (FIG. 5B) of variable thickness and/or geometry located at various locations on the actuation and or pumping side of the membrane. In one embodiment of the membrane, the membrane has a tangential slope in at least one section, but in other embodiments, the membrane is completely smooth or substantially smooth.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4C and 4D, an alternate embodiment of the membrane is shown. In this embodiment, the membrane has a dimpled or dotted surface.

The membrane may be made of any flexible material having a desired durability and compatibility with the subject fluid. The membrane can be made from any material that may flex in response to fluid, liquid or gas pressure or vacuum applied to the actuation chamber. The membrane material may also be chosen for particular bio-compatibility, temperature compatibility, or compatibility with various subject fluids that may be pumped by the membrane or introduced to the chambers to facilitate movement, of the membrane. In the exemplary embodiment, the membrane is made from high elongation silicone. However, in other embodiments, the membrane is made from any elastomer or rubber, including, but not limited to, silicone, urethane, nitrite, EPDM or any other rubber, elastomer, or flexible material.

The shape of the membrane is dependent on multiple variables. These variables include, but are not limited to: the shape of the chamber; the size of the chamber; the subject fluid characteristics; the volume of subject fluid pumped per stroke; and the means or mode of attachment of the membrane to the housing. The size of the membrane is dependent on multiple variables. These variables include, but are not limited to: the shape of the chamber; the size of the chamber; the subject fluid characteristics; the volume of subject fluid pumped per stroke; and the means or mode of attachment of the membrane to the housing. Thus, depending on these or other variables, the shape and size of the membrane may vary in various embodiments.

The membrane can have any thickness. However, in some embodiments, the range of thickness is between 0.002 inches to 0.125 inches. Depending on the material used for the membrane, the desired thickness may vary. In one embodiment, high elongation silicone is used in a thickness ranging from 0.015 inches to 0.050 inches. However, in other embodiments, the thickness may vary.

In the exemplary embodiment, the membrane is preformed to include a substantially dome shape in at least part of the area of the membrane. One embodiment of the dome-shaped membrane is shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F. Again, the dimensions of the dome may vary based on some or more of the variables described above. However, in other embodiments, the membrane may not include a preformed dome shape,

In the exemplary embodiment, the membrane dome is formed using liquid injection molding. However, in other embodiments, the dome may be formed by using compression molding. In alternate embodiments, the membrane is substantially flat. In other embodiments, the dome size, width, or height may vary.

In various embodiments, the membrane may be held in place by various means and methods. In one embodiment, the membrane is clamped between the portions of the cassette, and in some of these embodiments, the rim of the cassette may include features to grab the membrane. In others of this embodiment, the membrane is damped to the cassette using at least one bolt or another device. In another embodiment, the membrane is overmolded with a piece of plastic, and then the plastic is welded or otherwise attached to the cassette. In another embodiment, the membrane is pinched between the mid plate described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B and the bottom plate. Although some embodiments for attachment of the membrane to the cassette are described, any method or means for attaching the membrane to the cassette can be used. The membrane, in one alternate embodiment, is attached directly to one portion of the cassette. In some embodiments, the membrane is thicker at the edge, where the membrane is pinched by the plates, than in other areas of the membrane. In some embodiments, this thicker area is a gasket, in some embodiments an O-ring, ring or any other shaped gasket. Referring again to FIGS. 6A-6D, one embodiment of the membrane is shown with two gaskets 62, 64. In some of these embodiments, the gasket(s) 62, 64 provides the attachment point of the membrane to the cassette. In other embodiments, the membrane includes more than two gaskets. Membranes with one gasket are also included in some embodiments (see FIGS. 4A-4D).

In some embodiments of the gasket, the gasket is contiguous with the membrane. However, in other embodiments, the gasket is a separate part of the membrane. In some embodiments, the gasket is made from the same material as the membrane. However, in other embodiments, the gasket is made of a material different from the membrane. In some embodiments, the gasket is formed by overmolding a ring around the membrane. The gasket can be any shape ring or seal desired so as to complement, the pod pump housing embodiment. In some embodiments, the gasket is a compression type gasket.

1.7 Mixing Pods

Some embodiments of the cassette include a mixing pod. A mixing pod includes a chamber for mixing. In some embodiments, the mixing pod is a flexible structure, and in some embodiments, at least a section of the mixing pod is a flexible structure. The mixing pod can include a seal, such as an o-ring, or a membrane. The mixing pod can be any shape desired. In the exemplary embodiment, the mixing pod is similar to a pod pump except it does not include a membrane and does not include an actuation port. Some embodiments of this embodiment of the mixing pod include an o-ring seal to seal the mixing pod chamber. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the mixing pod is a spherical hollow pod with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. As with the pod pumps, the chamber size can be any size desired.

-   2. Pressure Pump Actuation System

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing an one embodiment of a pressure actuation system that may be used to actuate a pod pump with both positive and negative pressure, such as the pod pump shown in FIG. 1A. The pressure actuation system is capable of intermittently or alternately providing positive and negative pressurizations to the gas in the actuation chamber of the pod pump. However, in some embodiments, FIG. 7 does not apply for these embodiments, actuation of the pod pump is accomplished by applying positive pressure and vent to atmosphere (again, not shown in FIG. 7). The pod pump—including the flexible membrane, the inlet, the outlet, the pneumatic port the pumping chamber, the actuation chamber, and possibly including an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve or other valves—is part of a larger disposable system. The pneumatic actuation system—including an actuation-chamber pressure transducer, a positive-supply valve, a negative-supply valve, a positive-pressure gas reservoir, a negative-pressure gas reservoir, a positive-pressure-reservoir pressure transducer, a negative-pressure-reservoir pressure transducer, as well as an electronic controller including, in some embodiments, a user interface console (such as a touch-panel screen)—may be part of a base unit.

The positive-pressure reservoir provides to the actuation chamber the positive pressurization of a control gas to urge the membrane towards a position where the pumping chamber is at its minimum volume (i.e., the position where the membrane is against the rigid pumping-chamber wail). The negative-pressure reservoir provides to the actuation chamber the negative pressurization of the control gas to urge the membrane in the opposite direction, towards a position where the pumping chamber is at its maximum volume (i.e., the position where the membrane is against the rigid actuation-chamber wall).

A valving mechanism is used to control fluid communication between each of these reservoirs and the actuation chamber. As shown in FIG. 7, a separate valve is used for each of the reservoirs; a positive-supply valve controls fluid communication between the positive-pressure reservoir and the actuation chamber, and a negative-supply valve controls fluid communication between the negative-pressure reservoir and the actuation chamber. These two valves are controlled by the controller. Alternatively, a single three-way valve may be used in lieu of the two separate valves. The valves may be binary on-off valves or variable-restriction valves.

The controller also receives pressure information from the three pressure transducers: an actuation-chamber pressure transducer, a positive-pressure-reservoir pressure transducer, and a negative-pressure-reservoir pressure transducer. As their names suggest, these transducers respectively measure, the pressure in the actuation chamber, the positive-pressure reservoir, and the negative-pressure reservoir. The actuation-chamber-pressure transducer is located in a base unit but is in fluid communication with the actuation chamber through the pod pump pneumatic port. The controller monitors the pressure in the two reservoirs to ensure they are properly pressurized (either positively or negatively). In one exemplary embodiment, the positive-pressure reservoir may be maintained at around 750 mmHG, while the negative-pressure reservoir may be maintained at around −450 mmHG.

Still referring to FIG. 7, a compressor-type pump or pumps (not shown) may be used to maintain the desired pressures in these reservoirs. For example, two independent compressors may be used to respectively service the reservoirs. Pressure in the reservoirs may be managed using a simple bang-bang control technique in which the compressor servicing the positive-pressure reservoir is turned on if the pressure in the reservoir fails below a predetermined threshold and the compressor servicing the negative-pressure reservoir is turned on if the pressure in the reservoir is above a predetermined threshold. The amount of hysteresis may be the same for both reservoirs or may be different. Tighter control of the pressure in the reservoirs can be achieved by reducing the size of the hysteresis band, although this will generally result in higher cycling frequencies of the compressors. If very tight control of the reservoir pressures is required or otherwise desirable for a particular application, the bang-bang control technique could be replaced with a PID control technique and could use PWM signals on the compressors.

The pressure provided by the positive-pressure reservoir is preferably strong enough—under normal conditions—to urge the membrane all the way against the rigid pumping-chamber wall. Similarly, the negative pressure (i.e., the vacuum) provided by the negative-pressure reservoir is preferably strong enough—under normal conditions—to urge the membrane all the way against the actuation-chamber wall. In a further preferred embodiment, however, these positive and negative pressures provided by the reservoirs are within safe enough limits that even with either the positive-supply valve or the negative-supply valve open all the way, the positive or negative pressure applied against the membrane is not so strong as to damage the pod pump or create unsafe fluid pressures (e.g., that may harm a patient receiving pumped blood or other fluid).

It will be appreciated that other types of actuation systems may be used to move the membrane back and forth instead of the two-reservoir pneumatic actuation system shown in FIG. 7; although a two-reservoir pneumatic actuation system is generally preferred. For example, alternative pneumatic actuation systems may include either a single positive-pressure reservoir or a single negative-pressure reservoir along with a single supply valve and a single tank pressure sensor, particularly in combination with a resilient membrane. Such pneumatic actuation systems may intermittently provide either a positive gas pressure or a negative gas pressure to the actuation chamber of the pod pump. In embodiments having a single positive-pressure reservoir, the pump may be operated by intermittently providing positive gas pressure to the actuation chamber, causing the membrane to move toward the pumping chamber wall and expel the contents of the pumping chamber, and releasing the gas pressure, causing the membrane to return to its relaxed position and draw fluid into the pumping chamber. In embodiments having a single negative-pressure reservoir, the pump may be operated by intermittently providing negative gas pressure to the actuation chamber, causing the membrane to move toward the actuation chamber wail and draw fluid into the pumping chamber, and releasing the gas pressure, causing the membrane to return to its relaxed position and expel fluid from the pumping chamber.

-   3. Fluid Handling

As shown and described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2D, a fluid valve in the exemplary embodiment consists of a small chamber with a flexible membrane or membrane across the center dividing the chamber into a fluid half and a pneumatic half. The fluid valve, in the exemplary embodiment, has three entry/exit ports, two on the fluid half of the chamber and one the pneumatic half of the chamber. The port on the pneumatic half of the chamber can supply either positive pressure or vacuum (or rather than vacuum, in some embodiments, there is a vent to atmosphere) to the chamber. When a vacuum is applied to the pneumatic portion of the chamber, the membrane is pulled towards the pneumatic side of the chamber, clearing the fluid path and allowing fluid to flow into and out of the fluid side of the chamber. When positive pressure is applied to the pneumatic portion of the chamber, the membrane is pushed towards the fluid side of the chamber, blocking the fluid path and preventing fluid flow. In the volcano valve embodiment (as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B) on one of the fluid ports, that port seals off first when closing the valve, and the remainder of any fluid in the valve is expelled through the port without the volcano feature. Additionally, in one embodiment of the valves, shown in FIG. 2D, the raised feature between the two ports allows for the membrane to seal the two ports from each other earlier in the actuation stroke (i.e., before the membrane seals the ports directly).

Referring again to FIG. 7, pressure valves are used to operate the pumps located at different points in the flow path. This architecture supports pressure control by using two variable-orifice valves and a pressure sensor at each pump chamber which requires pressure control. In one embodiment, one valve is connected to a high-pressure source and the other valve is connected to a low-pressure sink. A high-speed control loop monitors the pressure sensor and controls the valve positions to maintain the necessary pressure in the pump chamber.

Pressure sensors are used to monitor pressure in the pneumatic portion of the chambers themselves. By alternating between positive pressure and vacuum on the pneumatic side of the chamber, the membrane is cycled back and forth across the total chamber volume. With each cycle, fluid is drawn through the upstream valve of the inlet fluid port when the pneumatics pull a vacuum on the pods. The fluid is then subsequently expelled through the outlet port, and the downstream valve when the pneumatics deliver positive pressure to the pods.

In many embodiments pressure pumps consist of a pair of chambers. When the two chambers are run 180 degrees out of phase from one another, the flow is essentially continuous.

-   4. Volume Measurement

These flow rates in the cassette are controlled using pressure pod pumps which can detect end of stroke. An outer control loop determines the correct pressure values to deliver the required flow. Pressure pumps can run an end-of-stroke algorithm to detect when each stroke completes. While the membrane is moving, the measured pressure in the chamber tracks a desired sinusoidal pressure. When the membrane contacts a chamber wall, the pressure becomes constant, no longer tracking the sinusoid. This change in the pressure signal is used to detect when the stroke has ended, i.e., the end of stroke.

The pressure pumps have a known volume. Thus, an end of stroke indicates a known volume of fluid is in the chamber. Thus, using the end of stroke, fluid flow may be controlled using rate equating to volume.

As described above in more detail, FMS may be used to determine the volume of fluid pumped by the metering pumps. In some embodiments, the metering pump may pump fluid without using the FMS volume measurement system. However, in the exemplary embodiments, the FMS volume measurement system is used to calculate the exact volume of fluid pumped.

-   5. Exemplary Embodiment of the Pumping Cassette

Referring now to FIG. 8A, an exemplary embodiment of the fluid schematic of the pumping cassette 800 is shown. Other schematics are readily discernable and one alternate embodiment of the schematic is shown in FIG. 8A. Still referring to FIG. 8A, the cassette 800 includes at least one pod pump 820, 828 and at least one vent 830. The cassette 800 also includes at least one fluid port. In the schematic, a plurality of ports 804, 810, 824, 826, 830, 832, 846, 848, 850, 852, 854 are shown. However, in alternate embodiments, the number of ports and/or locations can be different. The plurality of port options presents a number of possible pumping schematics for any type of fluid for any function.

The cassette additionally includes at least one pod pump 820, 828 to pump fluid through at least one port and into and/or out of the cassette. The exemplary embodiment includes two pod pumps 820, 828. However, in alternate embodiments, one or more pod pumps are included in the cassette. In the exemplary embodiment, two pod pumps 820, 828 may provide for continuous or steady flow. The vent 830 provides a vent to atmosphere for a fluid reservoir fluidly connected to, but outside of, the cassette.

The fluid schematic of the cassette 800 shown in FIG. 8A may be embodied into various cassette apparatus. Thus, the various embodiments of the cassette 800 that include a fluid flow path represented by the fluid schematic shown in FIG. 8A are not the only cassette embodiments that may incorporate this or an alternate embodiment of this fluid schematic. Additionally, the types of valves, the order of actuation of the valves, and the number of pumps may vary in various cassette embodiments of this fluid schematic. Also, additional features may be present in embodiments of the pumping cassette that are not represented in the schematic or on the cassette embodiments shown and described herein.

Still referring to FIG. 8A, in one scenario, fluid enters the cassette through a port 810 and is pumped to either a first pump fluid path 812 or a second pump fluid path 818. In one embodiment, pump inlet valves 808, 814 alternately open and close, and the valve 808, 814 that is open at any given time allows the fluid to flow into its respective fluid path 812, 818 and into the respective pod pump 820, 828. The respective pump inlet, valve 808, 814 then closes, and the corresponding pump outlet valve 816, 822 opens. The fluid is pumped out of the pod pump 820, 828 and though first fluid outlet 824. However, in other embodiments, both valves 808, 814 open and close at the same time. In some embodiments, no valves are in the cassette.

A vent 830 provides a location for a reservoir or other container or fluid source to vent to atmosphere. In some embodiments, the source of the first fluid is connected to the vent 830. A valve 802 controls the venting pathway.

Although in one scenario, fluid is pumped into port 810, in other embodiments, fluid is pumped into the cassette through any of the ports 804, 824, 826, 830, 832, 846, 848, 850, 852, 854 and then out of the cassette through any of the ports 804, 810, 824, 826, 830, 832, 846, 848, 850, 852, 854. Additionally, the pod pumps 820, 828 in various embodiments pump fluid in the opposite direction than described above.

In general, the cassette 800 provides pumping power to pump fluid as well as fluid flow paths between ports and around the cassette.

In one embodiment, the one or more ports 804, 810, 824, 826, 830, 832, 846, 848, 850, 852, 854 are attached to a filter or other treatment area for the fluid being pumped out of the cassette. In some embodiments, pod pumps 820, 828 provide enough pumping force to push the fluid through a filter or other treatment area.

In some embodiments, the pumping cassette includes additional fluid paths and one or more additional pod pumps. Additionally, the cassette in some embodiments includes additional venting paths.

The various flow paths possible in the cassette, represented by one embodiment in FIG. 8A, are controlled by the valves 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856. Opening and closing the valves 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856 in different orders leads to very different fluid pumping paths and options for pumping. Referring now to FIGS. 9C, 10A, 10B and 10C, the various valves and ports are shown on an exemplary embodiment of the cassette.

In some embodiments of the pumping cassette, more valves are included or additional flow paths and/or ports are included. In other embodiments, there are a smaller number of valves, flow paths and/or ports. In some embodiments of the cassette, the cassette may include one or more air traps, one or more filters, and/or one or more check valves.

The embodiments of the fluid flow-path schematic shown in FIG. 8A, or alternate embodiments thereof, can be embodied into a structure. In the exemplary embodiment, the structure is a three plate cassette with actuating membranes. Alternate embodiments of the cassette are also described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the outer side of the top plate 900 of the exemplary embodiment of the cassette is shown. The top plate 900 includes one half of the pod pumps 820, 828. This half is the fluid/liquid half where the source fluid will flow through. The inlet and outlet pod pump fluid paths are shown. These fluid paths lead to their respective pod pumps 820, 828.

The pod pumps 820, 828 include a raised flow path 908, 910. The raised flow path 908, 910 allows for the fluid to continue to flow through the pod pumps 820, 828 after the membrane (not shown) reaches the end of stroke. Thus, the raised flow path 908, 910 minimizes the membrane causing air or fluid to be trapped in the pod pump 820, 828 or the membrane blocking the inlet or outlet of the pod pump 820, 828, which would inhibit flow. The raised flow path 908, 910 is shown in the exemplary embodiment having particular dimensions. In alternate embodiments, the raised flow path 908, 910 is larger or narrower, or in still other embodiments, the raised flow path 908, 910 can be any dimension as the purpose is to control fluid flow so as to achieve a desired flow rate or behavior of the fluid. Thus, the dimensions shown and described here with respect to the raised flow path, the pod pumps, the valves, or any other aspect are mere exemplary and alternate embodiments. Other embodiments are readily apparent.

FIGS. 9C and 9D show the inner side of the top plate 900 of the exemplary embodiment of the cassette. FIG. 9E shows a side view of the top plate 900.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the fluid/liquid side of the midplate 1000 is shown. The areas complementary to the fluid paths on the inner top plate shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D are shown. These areas are slightly raised tracks that present a surface finish that is conducive to laser welding, which is one mode of manufacturing in the exemplary embodiment. Other modes of manufacturing the cassette are discussed above. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the ports of the exemplary embodiment of the cassette are labeled corresponding to the schematic shown and described above with respect to FIG. 8A. One port is not labeled, port 852. This port is best seen in FIG. 9C.

Referring next to FIGS. 10C and 10D, the air side, or side facing the bottom plate (not shown, shown in FIGS. 11A-11E) of the midplate 1000 is shown according to the exemplary embodiment. The air side of the valve holes 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856 correspond to the holes in the fluid side of the midplate 1000 (shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). As seen in FIGS. 12C and 12D, membranes 1220 complete pod pumps 820, 828 while membranes 1222 complete valves 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856. The valves 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856 are actuated pneumatically, and as the membrane is pulled away from the holes, liquid/fluid is allowed to flow. As the membrane is pushed toward the holes, fluid flow is inhibited. The fluid flow is directed by the opening and closing of the valves 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856. The exemplary embodiment of the valve is a volcano valve, shown in described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. One embodiment of the valve membrane 1222 is shown in FIGS. 2E, alternate embodiments are shown in FIGS. 2F-2G.

Referring next to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the inner view of the bottom plate 1100 is shown. The inside view of the pod pumps 820, 828, and the valves 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856 actuation/air chamber is shown. The pod pumps 820, 828, and the valves 802, 808, 814, 816, 822, 836, 838, 840, 842, 844, 856 are actuated by a pneumatic air source. Referring now to FIGS. 11C and 11D, the outer side of the bottom plate 1100 is shown. The source of air is attached to this side of the cassette. In one embodiment, tubes connect to the tubes on the valves and pumps 1102. In some embodiments, the valves are ganged, and more than one valve is actuated by the same air line.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an assembled cassette 1200 is shown. An exploded view of the assembled cassette 1200 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B is shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D. In these views, the exemplary embodiment of the pod pump membranes 1220 is shown. The exemplary embodiment includes membranes shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. The gasket of the membrane provides a seal between the liquid chamber (in the top plate 900) and the air/actuation chamber (in the bottom plate 1100). In some embodiment, including those shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, texture on the dome of the membranes 1220 provide, amongst other features, additional space for air and liquid to escape the chamber at the end of stroke. In alternate embodiments of the cassette, the membranes shown in FIGS. 6A-6G may be used. Referring to FIGS. 6A-6G, as discussed in greater detail above, these membranes include a double gasket 62, 64. The double gasket 62, 64 feature would be preferred in embodiments where both sides of the pod pump include liquid or in applications where sealing both chambers' sides is desired. In these embodiments, a rim complementary to the gasket or other feature (not shown) would be added to the inner bottom plate 1100 for the gasket 62 to seal the pod pump chamber in the bottom plate 1100.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a cross sectional view of the pod pumps 828 in the cassette is shown. The details of the attachment of the membrane 1220 can be seen in this view. Again, in the exemplary embodiment the membrane 1220 gasket is pinched by the midplate 1000 and the bottom plate 1100. A rim on the midplate 1000 provides a feature for the gasket to seal the pod pump 828 chamber located in the top plate 900.

Referring next, to FIG. 13, this cross sectional view shows the valves 834, 836 in the assembled cassette. The membranes 1220 are shown assembled and are held in place, in the exemplary embodiment, by being sandwiched between the midplate 1000 and the bottom plate 1100.

Still referring to FIG. 13, this cross sectional view also shows a valve 822 in the assembled cassette. The membrane 1222 is shown held in place by being sandwiched between the midplate 1000 and the bottom plate 1100.

As described above, the exemplary embodiment described above represents one cassette embodiment that incorporates the exemplary fluid flow-path schematic shown in FIG. 8A. However, there are alternate embodiments of the cassette that incorporate many of the same features of the exemplary embodiment, but in a different structural design. One of these alternate embodiments is the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-21D. An alternate schematic is shown in FIG. 8B. This schematic, although similar to the schematic shown in FIG. 8A, can be viewed to show the fluid paths of the alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-21D.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14E, views of an alternate embodiment of the top plate 1400 are shown. The features of the top plate 1400 are alternate embodiments of corresponding features in the exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 14C and 14D, the pod pumps 820, 828 are cut into the inside of the top plate 1400. And, as can be seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the pod pumps 820, 828 do not protrude on the outside top plate 1400.

In this embodiment, when the cassette is assembled, as shown in FIGS. 19A-19B, the plates 1400, 1600, 1800 are sealed from each other using gaskets shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 as 1500 and 1700 respectively. Referring now to the exploded view of the cassette in FIGS. 19C and 19D, the pod pump membranes 1220 and valving membranes 1222 are shown. Additionally, in some embodiments, a check valve housing cell 1114 is additionally included.

Still referring to FIGS. 19C-19D, in this alternate embodiment, the cassette 1900 is assembled with connection hardware 1910. Thus, the cassette 1900 is mechanically assembled and held together by connection hardware 1910. In this embodiment, the connection hardware is screws but in other embodiments, the connection hardware 1910 is metal posts. Any connection hardware may be used in alternate embodiments including, but not limited, to rivets, shoulder bolts, and bolts. In additional alternate embodiments, the plates are held together by an adhesive.

Still referring to FIGS. 19C and 19D, check valves 1920 are shown. In this embodiment, the check valves 1920 are duck-bill check valves, but in other embodiments, the check valves can be any type of check valve. In this embodiment, the check valves are held by a check, valve cell 1922. Additionally, in some embodiments, more check valves are used in the cassette. For example, in this embodiment, and in some embodiments of the exemplary embodiment described above that includes check, valves, additional check valve holders 1926, 1928 are shown. These provide holders for additional check valves. In still other embodiments, an air trap 1924 may be included as shown in this embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 21A-21D, one embodiment of the duck-bill check valve is shown. However, in other embodiments, any check valve or alternate embodiments of a duck-bill check valve may be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, cross sectional views of the assembled cassette and the gaskets' 1500, 1700 relation to the assembled cassette assembly is shown.

In the alternate embodiment, the gaskets 1500, 1700 are made from silicone, but in other embodiments, the gaskets 1500, 1700 may be made from other materials. Still referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the connection hardware 1910 is shown. Referring to FIG. 20B, the cross sectional view shows the duck-bill check valves 1920 in the assembled cassette.

5.1 Exemplary Embodiments of the Pumping Cassette

In practice, the cassette may be used to pump any type of fluid from any source to any location. The types of fluid include nutritive, nonnutritive, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, bodily fluids, or any other type of fluid. Additionally, fluid in some embodiments include a gas, thus, in some embodiments, the cassette is used to pump a gas.

The cassette serves to pump and direct the fluid from and to the desired locations. In some embodiments, outside pumps pump the fluid into the cassette and the cassette pumps the fluid out. However, in some embodiments, the pod pumps serve to pull the fluid into the cassette and pump the fluid out of the cassette.

As discussed above, depending on the valve locations, control of the fluid paths is imparted. Thus, the valves being in different locations or additional valves are alternate embodiments of this cassette. Additionally, the fluid lines and paths shown in the figures described above are mere examples of fluid lines and paths. Other embodiments may have more, less, and/or different fluid paths. In still other embodiments, valves are not present in the cassette.

The number of pod pumps described above may also vary depending on the embodiment. For example, although the exemplary and alternate embodiments shown and described above include two pod pumps, in other embodiments, the cassette includes one. In still other embodiments, the cassette includes more than two pod pumps. The pod pumps can be single pumps or work in tandem to provide a more continuous flow. Either or both may be used in various embodiments of the cassette.

The terms inlet and outlet as well as fluid paths are used for description purposes only. In other embodiments, an inlet can be an outlet. The denotations simply refer to separate entrance areas into the cassette.

The designations given for the fluid inlets (which can also be fluid outlets), for example, first fluid outlet, second fluid outlet, merely indicate that a fluid may travel out of or into the cassette via that inlet/outlet. In some cases, more than one inlet/outlet on the schematic is designated with an identical name. This merely describes that all of the inlet/outlets having that designation are pumped by the same metering pump or set of pod pumps (which in alternate embodiments, can be a single pod pump).

The various ports are provided to impart particular fluid paths onto the cassette. These ports are not necessarily all used all of the time, instead, the variety of ports provide flexibility of use of the cassette in practice.

Referring again to FIG. 8A, one embodiment provides for a fluid reservoir to be fluidly attached to the vent, port 830 allowing for the reservoir to vent to atmosphere. Additionally, in some embodiments, an FMS reference chamber is fluidly attached to the reservoir and thus, as fluid is added or removed from the reservoir, the volume may be determined using the FMS. Some embodiments include additional vent ports in the cassette and thus, some embodiments of the cassette may be attached to more than one fluid reservoir.

One embodiment includes a fluid line extending from port 850 to port 848 and controlled by valves 838, 836. In one embodiment, port 848 may be fluidly attached to a reservoir. As such, port 810 may also be attached to the same reservoir. Thus, in one embodiment, port 850 provides a fluid line to the reservoir, and port 810 provides a fluid line such that the pod pumps pump fluid from the reservoir into the cassette. In some embodiments, valve 858 controls a bypass line from the reservoir to another fluid line controlled by valve 842.

Some embodiments may include an air trap within the fluid lines and/or at least one sensor. The sensor can be any sensor having a capability to determine any fluid or non-fluid sensor data. In one embodiment; three sensor elements are included in a single fluid line. In some embodiments, more than one fluid line includes the three sensor elements. In the three sensor element embodiment, two of the sensor elements are conductivity sensor elements and the third sensor element is a temperature sensor element. The conductivity sensor elements and temperature sensor element can be any conductivity or temperature sensor in the art. In one embodiment, the conductivity sensors are graphite posts. In other embodiments, the conductivity sensor elements are posts made from stainless steel, titanium, platinum, or any other metal coated to be corrosion resistant and still be electrically conductive. The conductivity sensor elements will include an electrical lead that transmits the probe information to a controller or other device. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is a thermister potted in a stainless steel probe. However, in alternate embodiments, a combination temperature and conductivity sensor elements is used similar to the one described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application entitled Sensor Apparatus Systems, Devices and Methods, filed Oct. 12, 2007 (DEKA-024XX). In alternate embodiments, there are either no sensors in the cassette or only a temperature sensor, only one or more conductivity sensors or one or more of another type of sensor.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present, invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A pumping cassette comprising: a housing having at least one fluid port and at least one air vent port wherein said air vent post vents a fluid source outside said housing; and at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within said housing wherein said pump pumps a fluid.
 2. The cassette claimed in claim 1 wherein said reciprocating pressure displacement pump comprising: a curved rigid chamber wall; and a flexible membrane attached to said rigid chamber wall, whereby said flexible membrane and said rigid chamber wall define a pumping chamber.
 3. The cassette claimed in claim 1 wherein said cassette housing comprising: a top plate; a midplate; and a bottom plate.
 4. The pumping cassette claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least, one valve.
 5. The pumping cassette claimed in claim 4 wherein said valve is a membrane valve.
 6. The cassette claimed in claim 5 wherein said at least one valve comprising a valve housing having a membrane, said membrane dividing said housing into two chambers.
 7. The cassette claimed in claim 6 wherein one of said two chambers is an actuation chamber and one of said two chambers is a fluid pumping chamber.
 8. The cassette claimed in claim 7 wherein said actuation chamber having at least one aperture and said fluid pumping chamber having at least one aperture.
 9. The cassette claimed in claim 8 wherein said actuation chamber comprising two apertures.
 10. The cassette claimed in claim 9 wherein said valve is a volcano valve.
 11. The cassette claimed in claim 10 wherein said fluid pumping chamber comprising a substantially smooth surface.
 12. The pumping cassette claimed in claim 2 wherein said valve is a check valve.
 13. A pumping cassette comprising: a housing having at least one source fluid inlet fluid path, at least one source reservoir vent fluid path and at least one source fluid outlet path; and at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within said housing wherein said pump pumps source fluid from a source tank outside said housing and through said source fluid inlet fluid path; and at least one valve comprising a valve housing having a membrane, said membrane dividing said valve housing into two chambers, a fluid chamber and an actuation chamber.
 14. The cassette claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one reciprocating pressure displacement pump comprising: a curved rigid chamber wall; and a flexible membrane attached to said rigid chamber wall, whereby said flexible membrane and said rigid chamber wall define a pumping chamber.
 15. The cassette claimed in claim 13 wherein said cassette housing comprising: a top plate; a midplate; and a bottom plate.
 16. The cassette claimed in claim 13 further comprising a valve controlling a measurement system fluidly connected to said source tank vent fluid path.
 17. The cassette claimed in claim 16 wherein said measurement system measures the volume of a source tank.
 18. The cassette claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one source reservoir vent fluid path fluidly connected to a vent whereby said source tank is maintained at atmospheric pressure.
 19. The cassette claimed in claim 13 wherein said at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump pumps fluid from said source tank through said housing and through a filter outside said housing. 